The ISU Master of Space Studies Program (MSS) is intended for individuals seeking professional development, further academic study, or both, through a one- or two-year graduate degree program. For experienced professionals, the MSS supports career advancement, a shift of career within the space sector or a career move into the space sector.For students who wish to make their careers in space, the MSS supports entry into the sector through access to space agencies, space commerce, space research and related actors.

The MSS is structured as a one- or two-year program. The first year is essentially a taught one and is delivered primarily at the ISU Central Campus in Strasbourg. Some students will take only this year and graduate with an a Master of Space Studies. During the first year, students who perform at an appropriate level may apply for the second ‘thesis year’ in which they perform a single extended piece of research or scholarly activity, either at ISU, or an appropriate host institution. These students will graduate with an MSc in Space Studies and Thesis.

MSS Year 2 consists of a single module:• M14-THP Thesis Project (45 ECTS)

Taking MSS Year 2 is not an automatic right of all students taking MSS Year 1. Eligibility for MSS Year 2 is assessed during Year 1. Subject also to a suitable Thesis Project being approved, successful candidates may then transfer to the two-year program. Thesis Projects may take place at ISU’s Strasbourg Central Campus or at other institutions/organizations as appropriate.

MSS Year 2 can be completed in full-time mode over seven months or in part-time mode over a longer period within a maximum of seven years from the start of MSS Year 1.

M1-ITS Introduction to Space1. To introduce students to the fundamental MSS disciplines and build a firm foundation for interdisciplinary study in subsequent modules.2. To develop students’ transferable skills, including intercultural awareness, time management, team working, written communication and oral presentations.

M2-Interdisciplinary Space Studies1. To extend students’ knowledge of the MSS disciplines and enhance their understanding of the interdisciplinary links between them.2. To demonstrate the integrated and interdisciplinary nature of space activities.

M3-TPR 3I Team Project1. To provide students with experience in interdisciplinary, intercultural and international (3I) teamwork.2. To develop in students the relevant skills (e.g., research, problem-solving, design, communication, organizational and project management) required to perform a significant 3I project in a 3I team environment.3. To allow students to engage with and apply principles learned elsewhere in the course and apply them in a 3I context.

During the academic year, students have the opportunity to visit significant space-related enterprises and activities in Europe. Previous visits have been made to Airbus Defence and Space, Snecma, SES, European Space Operation Centre, European Space Agency HQ, European Astronaut Centre, CNES, EUMETSAT, Telespazio Vega, UNESCO, University of Stuttgart Institute for Space Research and DLR.

Outside of the official MSS curriculum some students have also had the opportunity to visit the ESA launch site in French Guiana, the European Space Technology Centre in The Netherlands and space-related facilities in Russia.

Before the start of the MSS program, students are given the opportunity to attend a week of intensive French classes. We highly recommend taking advantage of these classes in order to obtain a good basic level of French early on, before the program work intensifies. These French classes are continued during M1-ITS at two levels: Beginner and Intermediate. English classes are also offered during Module 1 to those students wishing to improve their English language skills in order to follow better the program.

A significant part of the ISU academic programs are delivered by resident faculty who provide teaching and advisory support to all ISU programs and activities. A number of the ISU Faculty not resident at ISU are involved in supporting the MSS as visiting lecturers or as mentors for students during their internships.